McLean begins term as deputy mayor

Times Photo Submitted

By Cal Braid
Taber Times
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

At a March 11 regular meeting of council, Coun. Monica McLean signed the mayor’s Oath of Office to become deputy mayor (DM) for the Town of Taber. Councillors take turns in the role on an eight-month rotation. According to the council’s agenda, “It provides each member the opportunity to assist with town business in the possible absence of the Mayor, or to represent the Town, should the Mayor have other commitments. Historically the order of appointments has been based on the number of votes each Councillor received in the municipal election, in order from most to least.”

DM Garth Bekkering’s term expired on Feb. 29 and on March 11 Coun. McLean signed the document publicly before Mayor Prokop and those present in the council chambers. Reading from the document, she said, “I, Monica McLean, swear that I will diligently, faithfully and to the best of my ability execute according to the law the office of deputy mayor for the Town of Taber for the term of March 1, 2024 to Sept. 30, 2024, so help me God.”

The role of deputy mayor may involve additional time commitments for attending functions and providing authorized signatures. It can also require documenting appointments and connecting with internal and external stakeholders.

The DM rotation for the current seven cycles looks like this:

Nov. 1, 2021 – June 30, 2022 Coun. Joanne Sorensen

July 1, 2022 – Feb. 28, 2023 Coun. Carly Firth

Mar. 1, 2023 – June 26, 2023 Coun. Alf Rudd (resigned)

July 17, 2023 – Feb. 29, 2024 Coun. Garth Bekkering

March 1, 2024 – Sept. 30, 2024 Coun. Monica McLean

Oct. 1, 2024 – April 30, 2025 Coun. Jack Brewin

May 1, 2025 – Oct. 20, 2025 Coun. Daniel Remfert